This air fryer popcorn chicken is juicy on the inside and crisp on the outside. The recipe uses an Instant Pot Vortex rotisserie basket but works in any air fryer.
For another simple chicken option, try Air Fryer Boneless Wings for a tasty buffalo-style coating. Air Fryer Broccolini makes a quick, healthy side to serve with this chicken.
Popcorn chicken is typically deep-fried, but the air fryer delivers the same crunchy exterior with much less oil. This method keeps the chicken moist while creating a golden, crunchy coating.
Crispy Popcorn Chicken
Pieces of chicken are soaked in buttermilk, dusted with cornstarch, dipped in an egg wash, then tossed in a seasoned flour mixture before air frying. Using the rotisserie basket gives even browning and a consistently crisp finish.
In about 10 minutes of air frying you’ll have tender chicken with a satisfying crunch.
Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer Settings
If you’re using an Instant Pot Vortex with the rotisserie basket, use these settings:
- Rotisserie Basket
- Air Fry setting
- Temperature: 370°F
- ROTATE: ON
- Time: 10 minutes
Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
If your air fryer doesn’t have a rotisserie basket, arrange the coated chicken in a single layer on the basket or trays, lightly spray with oil, and cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Shake or turn the pieces halfway through to ensure even crisping.
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
Dana
Save Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts – cubed, bite-sized pieces
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 egg – for egg wash
- 1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup flour
- cooking spray
- ¼ cup buttermilk* – ¼ cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt.
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Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in the buttermilk, then shake off excess before coating.
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Toss the chicken in cornstarch to lightly coat each piece.
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Beat the egg in a small bowl and dip the chicken to coat in the egg wash.
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Place the chicken into the seasoned flour mixture and coat well, shaking off any excess.
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Lightly spray the coated chicken with cooking spray to help it crisp in the air fryer.
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Add the chicken to the rotisserie basket and close the basket.
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Set the Vortex to Air Fry at 370°F with ROTATE on for 10 minutes and start.
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When the unit prompts “Add Food,” insert the rotisserie basket and close the door.
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Use a rotisserie fetch or oven mitts to carefully remove the hot basket when cooking is complete.
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Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary with ingredients and portion sizes.
© Mama Needs Cake
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